Footballer David Goodwillie faces private rape prosecution after Scottish government approves legal aid funding

The Scottish government has approved a legal aid application for the private prosecution of former Scotland striker David Goodwillie for rape.

A civil court ruled in 2017 that Goodwillie and former teammate David Robertson raped Denise Clair at a property in West Lothian following a night out in 2011, but no criminal charges were filed against the pair.

Ms Clair is seeking a rare private prosecution, where an individual seeks to prosecute rather than the Crown, but is reliant on financial assistance from the government to go ahead.

After a long-running application, which First Minister John Swinney said in November was taking too long, ministers announced on Sunday that legal aid had been granted.

Speaking to the Sunday Post - which has championed Ms Clair's cause - she said: "I am elated that after all these years I can finally begin the journey to proper justice.

"I have waited all this time to have the facts of this case tested in criminal court.

"It is disappointing that the Scottish government made me wait an agonising extra year for a decision they could have made in 24 hours given they agree how exceptional this case is."

She added: "I'm determined to see this journey to the bitter end for me and every other rape victim let down by our criminal justice system."

The newspaper reported the funding amounts to £2,500.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: "This has been a particularly unique and complex case which required detailed consideration.

"After careful assessment ministers have decided to award legal aid in this case."

Goodwillie currently plays for West of Scotland League side Glasgow United, but at the time of the attack he and Robertson played for Dundee United.

Speaking on a podcast in 2023, Goodwillie denied any wrongdoing, saying: "I'm an innocent man.

"I still say to this day, I'm walking about free, I'm not on the sex offenders' register, I've not got any charges for this, I don't even have a criminal record any more."

Robertson previously denied any wrongdoing.

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